Minutes
Quincy, MASSACHUSETTS – October 12, 2022
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Regular Meeting of the Quincy School Committee
Regular Meeting
Vice-Chair Presiding
A meeting of the Quincy School Committee was held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at the Coddington Building. Superintendent Kevin Mulvey called the roll and present were Mayor Thomas P. Koch, School Committee Chair and School Committee Members Mr. Paul Bregoli Mrs. Tina Cahill, Mr. Douglas Gutro, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. Frank Santoro, Vice Chair.
Also present were: Superintendent Kevin Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Ms. Kim Connolly, Ms. Allison Cox, Ms. Julie Graham, Mr. James Mullaney, Ms. Maura Papile, Ms. Kimberley Quinn, Ms. Madeline Roy, Mr. Keith Segalla, Mr. Lawrence Taglieri, Mr. Christopher Tierney, Ms. Bridget Vaughan; Quincy Education Association President Gayle Carvalho; and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the following retired Quincy Public Schools employees: Margery Bowker, an elementary school Guidance Counselor for 18 years; Patricia Nee, an elementary school Special Education teacher for over 30 years; and Anita Simon, an elementary school teacher for 35 years.
Mr. Santoro read the following statement into the record: Pursuant to the Open Meeting Law, any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting through any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unperceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.
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Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Hubley made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting for September 28, 2022. Mrs. Lebo seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
Mr. Bregoli made a motion to approve the minutes of the Executive Session for September 28, 2022. Mr. Gutro seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Open Forum
As no one wished to speak at Open Forum, School Committee went on to the next item on the agenda.
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Superintendent’s
Report
Quincy Public Schools October 1 Enrollment & Class Size Data was shared with School Committee. Superintendent Mulvey noted that the official October 1, 2022 enrollment total for QPS is 9,834, an increase of 222 students from October 1, 2021. In June 2022, enrollment was at a level not seen since the 1970s at 9,936 students. Since October 1, 32 students have completed registration and another 50 students have registrations pending, so enrollment will likely reach 9,900 by the end of October. A breakdown of new registrations and transferring students by level to provide context for the administrative workload related to the over 1,500 transactions was shared. There are significant enrollment increases at North Quincy High School (+63 students) and Quincy High School (+26 students). The high school enrollments are almost identical at 1470 for NQHS and 1475 for QHS. Atlantic (+27) and South~West (+45) have seen the largest increases at the middle school level. At the elementary level, Clifford Marshall has an increase of 44 students and has returned closer to the pre-pandemic level of enrollment.
The class size average for Kindergarten through Grade 5 is very favorable at 19 students. For Grades 6-8 Core Curriculum classes, 88.1% of classes have 24 or fewer students, the low end of School Committee’s class size range. No classes are above 28 students. For Grades 9-12 Core Curriculum classes, 80.1% of classes have 25 or fewer students. 2.4% are above class size range of 28, a total of 15 sections between the two high schools, most are honors or AP sections. Detailed class size information at the school level will be shared during the School Improvement Plan presentations in November and can be further discussed at Subcommittee meetings.
Mayor Koch asked about undocumented students, Ms. Owens said families are coming from a variety of countries, with six families recently arriving from the Ukraine.
Mrs. Lebo asked for detail on Out of District placements, this information will be included in the Special Education Program Improvement Plan in November.
Mrs. Lebo asked about South~West Middle School, the building was constructed for a capacity 390 students. Enrollment is above this level by 40+ students, additional lockers and furniture were procured during the last school year.
Superintendent Mulvey announced that Athletic Director Kevin Mahoney who was recently named as the MIAA District 9 nominee for the state-wide Ted Damko Award. This award recognizes an athletics administrator with five or fewer years of experience who exemplifies the highest standards of the profession and has made significant contributions to their school.
Upcoming Quincy Public Schools and City of Quincy Events include the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association’s Statewide Marching Band Competition at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, October 23 at 11:00 am. Twenty-one High School and Regional Marching bands are scheduled to perform, including the Quincy/North Quincy High School Marching Band & Colorguard.
Mr. Santoro noted that the Quincy/North Quincy High School Marching Band & Colorguard has been outstanding at their recent performances.
Mr. Bregoli said that the band directors have upgraded the program and this will hopefully open doors for our students in terms of college scholarships.
Mrs. Lebo thanked the Quincy Band Booster parents for their support.
Mayor Koch said that the Quincy/North Quincy High School Marching Band & Colorguard recently marched in a parade in Roslindale recently, heard that it was a very impressive performance from a Quincy resident.
The first English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) Meeting of the year will be held on November 3 at 6:00 pm on Zoom. The dedication of the new Abigail Adams statue on the Hancock Adams Common will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 11:00 am.
Our Instrumental Music teachers have recently completed instrument demonstrations for all Grades 4 & 5 students and held an Instrument Rental evening event for parents with our partner K&C Music. There has been an outstanding response, with over 250 students across all school sites enrolled in the instrumental music program.
Superintendent Mulvey concluded his report with a GLEAM Grant Update,
announcing that Quincy Public Schools has been awarded an additional $147,278. Together with the original $594,942 award reported at the last School Committee meeting, the total grant for this school year will be $742,220.
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Old Business
Revision of School
Committee Policy 9.11.5
(Vote)
Mr. Bregoli reviewed that a revision of School Committee Policy 9.11.5 Promotion & Graduation Requirements was approved at the Policy Subcommittee meeting on September 22, 2022. The revised Policy was posted on the Quincy Public Schools website for public comment and none were received.
Mr. Gutro made a motion to approve the revision of School Committee Policy 9.11.5 Promotion & Graduation Requirements, seconded by Mrs. Cahill. On a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
Superintendent’s
2021-2022 Goals
Reflection & Spring
2022 Assessment Data
Superintendent Mulvey, Assistant Superintendent Erin Perkins, Senior Curriculum Director Madeline Roy, Ms. Kimberly Quinn, Mr. Christopher Tierney, and Ms. Bridget Vaughan presented the Superintendent’s 2021-2022 Goals Reflection & Spring 2022 Assessment Data. Superintendent Mulvey thanked all Quincy Public Schools staff members, their dedication to our students and families mitigated the impact of the last two difficult school years. In Spring 2022, this was the first year of full test MCAS test administration since Spring 2019. There are signs of recovery in the data and identified areas of growth; there were increases in Math scores, declines in ELA scores, and slight increases in Science. Overall, Quincy Public Schools’ results mirrored the state’s results and student absenteeism remains a challenge, with the rate doubling over pre-pandemic levels. Accountability data was shared by the state as a new baseline, Quincy Public Schools was above the state average in participation rates for all grades and all subjects. Parent/Guardian MCAS reports will be mailed out by October 21, 2022.
For Mathematics, the Superintendent’s Student Learning Goal was for students in Grades 3-8 to show evidence of achievement in Mathematics as measured by an increase of 3 achievement percentage points in the Spring 2022 MCAS Mathematics test over Spring 2021 results. This goal was reached for Grades 3, 4, 6, and 8. Grade 10 students exceeded the state average. For the MAP Mathematics Goal, all grades 3-8 met the growth target for increases in RIT points from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, including exceeding the national norms. The Grade 2 MAP assessment shifted mid-year from the K-2 to the 2-5 assessment so the comparison was not possible.
For the 2022-2023 school year, students in Grades 3-8 will show evidence of achievement in Mathematics as measured by a total increase of 3 achievement percentage points in Exceeding of Meeting Achievement Levels from Spring 2022, as evidenced by the Spring 2023 PE305 MCAS District Achievement Distribution by Year Report. For the MAP assessment, during the 2022-2023 school year, students in grades 2-8 will show evidence of growth in math as measured by the following increases in RIT points above the fall average, indicated in the Spring 2022-23 MAP District Summary Report: 10 RIT points for grade 2; 8 RIT points for grade 3-4; and 5 RIT points for grades 5-8. Thanks to the support of the School Committee, Math Interventionists are now assigned to every elementary school to assist with small group and individual interventions. Targeted action steps for Grades K-5 and 6-8 Mathematics were shared with School Committee.
For Science, the Superintendent’s District Improvement Goal #1 was for students in Grades 5 & 7 to show evidence of achievement in Science and Technology/ Engineering as measured by an increase of 3 scaled score points in the Spring 2022 MCAS Science test over Spring 2021 results. This goal was reached for Grade 8, but not for Grade 5 which maintained the previous average scaled score. Grade 10 students exceeded the state average. For the MAP Science Goal, Grades 6-8 met the growth target for increases in RIT points from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, including exceeding the national norms for all Grades 4 through 8.
For 2022-2023, students in Grade 5 will show evidence of achievement in Science as measured by a total increase of 3 achievement percentage points in Exceeding or Meeting Achievement Levels, from Spring 2022, as evidenced by the Spring 2023 PE305 MCAS District Achievement Distribution by Year Report. For the MAP assessment, students in Grades 4-5 (4.5 RIT points above the Fall average) and 6-8 (4 RIT Points above the Fall average) will show evidence of growth in Science as measured by increases in RIT points, indicated in the Spring 2022-2023 MAP District Summary Report. Targeted action steps and initiatives to support these goals were shared for elementary, middle, and high school.
For English Language Arts, the Superintendent’s District Improvement Goal #2 was for students in Grades 3-8 to show evidence of achievement in English Language Arts as measured by an increase of 3 achievement percentage points in the Spring 2022 MCAS ELA test over Spring 2021 results. This goal was reached for Grade 8, but not for Grades 3-7. All grades were above the state average, with the exception of Grade 6. Grade 10 students exceeded the state average and showed an increase in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations. For the MAP ELA Goal, Grades 3-5 and 8 met the growth target for increases in RIT points from Fall 2021 to Spring 2022, including exceeding the national norms for all Grades 3-8. The Grade 2 MAP assessment shifted mid-year from the K-2 to the 2-5 assessment so the comparison was not possible.
For the 2022-2023 school year, students in Grades 3-8 will show evidence of achievement in English Language Arts as measured by a total increase of 2 achievement percentage points in Exceeding or Meeting Achievement Levels from Spring 2022, as evidenced by the Spring 2023 PE305 MCAS District Achievement Distribution by Year Report. During the 2022-2023 school year, students in Grades 2-8 will show evidence of growth in reading as measured by increases in RIT points above the Fall Average (10 for Grade 2, 5 for Grades 3-4, and 3 for Grades 5-8), indicated in the Spring 2022-2023 MAP District Student Growth Summary Report. The Early Literacy Screening is administered three times per year to Grades K-2 and Grade 3 will be added in the 2022-2023 school year. Targeted action steps were shared for elementary and middle school levels, including common writing assessments using the criteria from the ELA MCAS rubric for scoring.
Accountability data was shared for Graduation Rate and Annual Dropout Rate for 2020 and 2021, Chronic Absenteeism for 2022, and the Advanced Coursework Completion. Next steps for MCAS, MAP, and accountability data includes school-based analysis, development of Program and School Improvement Plans, vertical and grade-level team meetings, Integrated Learning Team meetings, Department Meetings, and Student Support Team meetings.
Mrs. Hubley requested that the accountability data to be expanded to include the number of students, not just the percentages.
Superintendent Mulvey then reflected on the progress towards the non-Curriculum goals and presented sources of evidence. (1) Superintendent’s Professional Practice Goal: Administrative Mentoring During the 2021-2022 school year, the Superintendent will evaluate all Principals, Directors, and Coordinators. In addition, the Superintendent will mentor and support new school and district administrators to ensure retention. Superintendent Mulvey reviewed the evaluation cycle with School Committee, Principal and Superintendent’s Leadership Team members are reviewed in the fall, since their goals are data dependent. These evaluations will be completed as the Program and School Improvement Plans are finalized and approved.
(2) Superintendent’s District Improvement Goal/Home~School Connections: During the 2021-2022 school year, the Superintendent’s Leadership and Principal Teams in collaboration with the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education, the English Learner Advisory Council, and the Citywide Parents Council will plan and execute at least ten home-school connections events. Quincy Public Schools in collaboration with Quincy College hosted a series of Parent Academies focused on Post-Secondary Initiatives, including the Early College High School Pathway, DUAL Enrollment, and CVTE Pathways. Parent Informational Sessions included: Overview of Pathway Initiatives, Admission Criteria, Cost Savings, Scholarships, Student’s Perspective, and Future Opportunities. Student Support presentations included: A Night of Vaping Prevention and Intervention with Rebecca Fiddler; Social Media and Bias with Dr. Englander, Director of MA Aggression Reduction Center (MARC). Quincy Public Schools also collaborated with the Quincy Parent Advisory Council to Special Education on joint events such as Trunk or Treat, Drums Alive, and Gingerbread House Decorating Night. Home-School connections with our families of English Learners supported by Heather Wojcik and the Family Liaisons included the high school Course Selection events, Atlantic Tea with English Learner Teachers and Families, report card conferences, the Multicultural Festival, U & I Mentoring Celebration, and our Summer Camp Can Do. The focus of last year’s collaboration with the Citywide Parent Council was on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and the Superintendent’s Leadership Team attended quarterly meetings, created a forum for the EDI subcommittee to meet with Principals, and the planned and executed the spring Multicultural Festival.
(3) Superintendent’s District Improvement Goal/System Initiative Management: The Superintendent will work with Principals, Superintendents Leadership Team, the school community, and stakeholders to renew, establish, and manage a minimum of 15 system initiatives. During the 2021-2022 school year, initiative effectiveness will be measured through School Committee and subcommittee presentations, benchmarks, actions steps and sources of evidence. Superintendent Mulvey reviewed some of the initiatives from last school year: Management/response to COVID-19; Budget Development and Monitoring; QSCP Partnership Events; Reach Program; New Curriculum Pilots; Project Lead the Way; Mentoring Program; Teachpoint Implementation; Restorative Practices; Multi-Tiered System of Support (May Institute); Post-Secondary Initiatives: Early College High School, Dual Enrollment, and CVTE Pathways; Technology Planning and Training’ MSBA Projects; Parent Liaisons; and the DOVE Partnership.
Superintendent Mulvey thanked School Committee for the support, we have a tremendous team of administrators and staff to provide the best for our students and families.
Mrs. Lebo asked about COVID-19 absences, those were counted as absences in DESE data, no differentiation between excused and unexcused absences.
Mrs. Lebo asked about filling the Science Team Administrator position, Superintendent Mulvey said this is in progress.
Mrs. Lebo asked for information on how many Grade 11 students need to retake one or more MCAS assessments and also requested a Grade 10 Science goal since 10% of students did not pass the MCAS.
Mrs. Lebo asked about the VOCAL data, Ms. Perkins it will be presented at an upcoming School Committee or Subcommmittee meeting.
Mrs. Lebo noted that the Superintendent’s Summative Evaluation is the next step in the evaluation process.
Mr. Gutro is concerned about the Graduation, Drop Out, and Chronic Absenteeism data and the proportion of high-risk subgroups affected. Mr. Gutro asked for an analysis of Chronic Absenteeism and performance on MCAS. Ms. Perkins said Chronic Absenteeism should be improved this year as there is no mandated quarantine for COVID-19 exposure. Ms. Papile has a Dropout Intervention team to work with students at risk and our numbers are significantly below the state level. Mr. Gutro asked to review this data further in the EDI Subcommittee.
Mrs. Cahill asked about the Fall MAP data, Ms. Perkins said there is historically a drop at the beginning of the school year. The fall data allows schools to provide targeted interventions for students before the school year is too far along. The next MAP administration is in January.
Mrs. Cahill asked if students seem more engaged, Ms. Perkins said this has been a more normal school year than previous years.
Mr. Bregoli asked about the MCAS retest for high school students in November, Ms. Perkins said that students who score Partially Meeting requirements can graduate with a diploma under the Educational Proficiency Plan (by completing an approved course). There have been waivers in place related to COVID-19 that this year’s seniors can still benefit from, but all will expire this year.
Mr. Bregoli reminded School Committee that comparing grade levels from year to year is inaccurate because it is comparing different groups of students, asked to resume cohort comparison next year when data is available.
Mayor Koch thanked the presenters, the MCAS is one measurement but doesn’t always reflect the strengths of the student. School attendance is a shared responsibility between the students, families, and the school administration.
Mrs. Lebo said that she has heard positive feedback from students, families, and teachers about the return to normalcy this year.
Mr. Santoro asked if Open Response and Essay questions are the most difficult for students in the MCAS administration. Ms. Perkins and Ms. Roy agreed, since the tests inception in 1999, this has always been an area of concern. Mr. Santoro said the shared sense of responsibility across curriculum areas has proven to be a successful strategy in his experience.
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New Business
School Nurse
Appointment
Superintendent Mulvey reviewed that Ms. Maureen Durgin, R.N. is a candidate to be appointed as a School Nurse to fill the open Resource position.
Mayor Koch made a motion to appoint Maureen Durgin as a School Nurse. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
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New Business
MASC General Session
Resolutions
Mrs. Hubley reviewed that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Conference will be held on November 2-5, 2022 and she will be representing the Quincy School Committee as a delegate to the General Session. The six Resolutions which will be voted on at that meeting were shared with School Committee. Mrs. Hubley asked School Committee to review the Resolutions to be prepared to vote at the next Regular Meeting on October 26, 2022.
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New Business
Referral to
Subcommittee
Mr. Gutro made a motion to refer Creating a Quincy Public Schools Employee Leave Bank to the Budget & Finance Subcommittee for review.
On the motion, Mr. Gutro said this is something he is familiar with from his professional life, colleagues can donate sick time to support other members of the staff.
Mayor Koch said that there is some provision in existing contracts that can be shared with School Committee.
Mrs. Lebo asked if there was previously something similar in Quincy Public Schools, Superintendent Mulvey said he will research.
Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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New Business
Referral to
Subcommittee
Mrs. Cahill made a motion to refer a QPS Security at School Events to the Facilities, Transportation & Security Subcommittee for review. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.
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Additional Business
There was no Additional Business.
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Communications
Mr. Santoro noted that Regular School Committee meetings are scheduled for October 26, 2022; November 16, 2022; and December 7, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Coddington Building. Upcoming Subcommittee meetings include Budget & Finance on October 19, 2022 at 6:00 pm, followed by a Policy Subcommittee meeting at 6:30 pm.
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Reports of
Subcommittees
There were no Reports of Subcommittees.
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Executive Session
Mrs. Lebo made a motion to move to Executive Session for the purpose of Contract Negotiations at 8:10 pm. Mr. Bregoli seconded the motion and on a roll call vote, the ayes have it, 7-0.
School Committee will not return to the Regular Meeting following the conclusion of Executive Session.
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Adjournment
Since School Committee did not return from Executive Session, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.
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